Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
flowerverifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team
Sunflowers are cheerful annual flowers that grow rapidly to impressive heights, producing large yellow flower heads that track the sun. They're easy to grow and a favourite with children.
Common Problems
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Care Guide
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Light
Full sun — absolutely essential.
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Water
Moderately. Deep but infrequent once established.
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Soil
Well-draining soil. Tolerant of poor soil.
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Fertiliser
Avoid excess nitrogen (promotes leaves over flowers). Low-nitrogen feed.
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Temperature
18–35°C. Frost-sensitive.
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Humidity
Tolerates low humidity.
Toxicity
check_circleSafe for Catscheck_circleSafe for Dogscheck_circleSafe for Children
Safe for humans and pets.
Common Diseases
Common Pests
Seasonal Care
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Let flower heads dry on the stem to harvest seed, or remove spent plants once flowering ends.
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Sow directly outdoors after the last frost, once soil has warmed.
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Water deeply and regularly, especially tall varieties, which need consistent moisture to support their size.
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This annual completes its life cycle in one season and does not overwinter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How tall do sunflowers grow?
Dwarf varieties reach 30–60cm. Giant varieties can exceed 3–4m in ideal conditions.
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